Early College programs give thousands of students increased access to higher education and the support that they need to be successful. The Early College Promise Year is a pilot program that extends Early College by an additional year, creating the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credits at no cost. Underserved students who may have never considered higher education in the past are now seeing a path to a degree.
Students defer their high school diploma, matriculating at Salem State and taking college classes on campus in a cohort model with their peers. All costs, including tuition, books, supplies and a laptop, are covered through the program.
Additionally, students receive dedicated support at both their high school and at college as they progress towards a degree. As matriculated Salem State students, they are able to fully participate in life on campus, from student organizations to counseling and health services and much more.
At first, I didn’t know what to expect from this program, but this PY program has offered me the opportunity to feel familiar with college life, the resources to succeed while getting the full college experience.
- Current Promise Year student
Promise Year students who successfully complete the entire program are able to earn 60 transferable credits towards an undergraduate degree. But Promise Year offers much more than tuition savings. Students report that having a peer group in class helped them to feel at home on campus. In addition, having dedicated supports for everything from emailing professors to study skills and career advice set them up for success.
